CLOSER TO FAR AWAY

After the sudden death of her mama in 1921 Saskatchewan, Lucy is afraid that her memory will be erased by a new housekeeper.

Thirteen-year-old Lucy Barber is determined to fill Mama’s role. Only by learning to do her chores does Lucy feel that Mama is close. First, Aunt Faye visits and interferes with the household; then Papa hires Mrs. Jenkins, who introduces new routines, sparking Lucy’s resentment. Worse, 5-year-old Teddy is forgetting Mama and latching on to Mrs. Jenkins instead. Papa and Tom, Lucy’s older brother, don’t notice the changes—Papa is immersed in work, and Tom seems to be hiding something suspicious and is hanging out with a friend Lucy doesn’t care for. Further disrupting the family equilibrium, Papa blames Uncle Ed for the fire that caused Mama’s death. Lucy is determined to drive Mrs. Jenkins away, keep Tom out of trouble, and bring her family together, but when she goes too far, the consequences aren’t what she desired. Details about farm life, domestic routines, and Prohibition firmly establish the rural historical setting, while Lucy’s emotional struggles will resonate with a contemporary audience. Lucy is equal parts fragile and fierce as she tries to deal with her grief, and her misguided attempts to keep life from changing are both understandable and heartbreaking. Ultimately, the knowledge that she isn’t alone in her experience helps Lucy move forward. The cast presents white.

A warm and insightful exploration into the nature of grief and healing.